Max Verstappen pays tribute to team-mate Sergio Perez after the Mexican driver confirmed he is leaving Red Bull

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Max Verstappen has paid a touching tribute to Sergio Perez after the Mexican driver confirmed Formula One's worst-kept secret that he is leaving Red Bull.

Perez announced the news on Wednesday evening, with New Zealand's Liam Lawson expected to replace him.

His exit comes after a difficult 2024 season that saw him finish 224 points behind Verstappen, who won his fourth straight world title, while Red Bull missed out on the constructors' championship.

But Perez has played his part in Verstappen's success, and this has not been forgotten by the Dutchman as he took to social media to post about his team-mate.

Accompanied by a photo of himself and Perez, Verstappen wrote on Instagram: 'It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you. We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember. Thank you, Checo!'

Perez was Verstappen's team-mate for each of his four championship triumphs after succeeding Alex Albon at Red Bull in 2021.

Max Verstappen (right) has paid tribute to Sergio Perez (left) following his Red Bull exit

Perez confirmed he is leaving Red Bull after a disappointing 2024 that saw him finish 224 points behind Verstappen in the drivers' standings

Liam Lawson (pictured) is the early favourite to replace Perez at Red Bull

He famously held up Lewis Hamilton during the final race of the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi to aid Verstappen's quest for glory, before Verstappen controversially overtook Hamilton on the last lap to seal the title.

Perez also finished second in the 2023 championship behind Verstappen, and five of his six career wins came with Red Bull.

Reflecting on his time at Red Bull, Perez said: 'I'm incredibly grateful for the past four years with Red Bull. We broke records and reached remarkable milestones.'

Team principal Christian Horner added that Perez had been an 'extraordinary team player'.